The Newport Jazz Festival was founded in July, 1954 by pianist George Wein, who came up with the novel idea of staging the first outdoor concert of its kind devoted entirely to jazz. Just one year later, Miles Davisâ€™ helped establish the event as an ongoing cultural institution with his searing rendition of Round Midnight. Over the next half century, the annual festival evolved and expanded, always delivering memorable performances by the foremost of the genreâ€™s pantheon of immortals. And this summerâ€™s four-day extravaganza, set again in the scenic city of Newport on the coast of Rhode Island, promises to be no exception.

Running from August 11th to 14th, the festivities will open on Thursday evening with a tribute screening of Miles Electric, a concert film from 1970. Friday will feature an afternoon panel discussion by jazz journalists while that eveningâ€™s entertainment will be provided by, followed by while live Eartha Kitt and the Artie Shaw Orchestra at the Newport Casino.